So, how do the majority of gun owners afford to shoot often? I’m not referring to those who reload.

[SemperFi]

My wife nephew started me buying ammo every two weeks for the past 10 years. I usually stop when the prices are in pandemic stage. I have enough .40 cal, 308 and 6.5. I really don't shoot 9mm or 223/556. I take my .40's out every two weeks and my 6.5 every two weeks. Getting my new Seekins SP10 ready for cmshoot's 1000 rifle class.

 

[mikey357]

Not having any dependents helps.

NOW you tell me--LOL!

 

[OttoMan]

Local range is outdoors, members only, after people leave I’m like a little brass bandit and take all the gold for myself…. I sell it to GA Arms for free bullets….

I’m not proud of myself.

Thanks for the tips....

 

[BIBM502]

Just buy in bulk when you see a good deal. Then by the time you get around to shooting you will have forgotten about the money you spent.

 

[Bypass]

I see a few "classes" of shooters, each with their own ammunition consumption rates.

a.) The social shooter - goes to the range with a family member or friend, shoots the shyte more than guns, smokes and jokes, maybe spends 30 rounds across 3-4 guns in a two hour session, then off to the Huddle House for a hamburger and fries.

b.) The handloader - goes out to test hand loads once a week or so, shoots about 200 rounds, 5 rounds at a time, uses a chronograph to record data in a book.

c.) The novice - Wants to shoot more and is learning about guns and shooting. Maybe shoots 100 - 200 rounds they bought that morning at Bass Pro or Academy.

d.) The tactifool shooter - Burns through 4 value packs of .223 shooting at IPSC silhouettes at 15 - 30 yards with several mag changes between calling the range "hot" or "cold" to check targets to see his "shot clusters." May be seen to roll around on the ground or even use a VTAC board he made out of the old kitchen counter from his house when the wife remodeled the kitchen.

e.) The gear queer - Owns top tier ARs and optics, is constantly swapping out stuff on his "platform" and tests each variation with about 20 rounds before exclaiming, "It's all good." Returns to his apartment so he can play FPS games online with other virtual shooters. Expends 20,000 rounds of virtual ammo for every real round at the range. Considers himself a real "operator" and "was going to join up but....."

f.) The real deal - Competitive shooter who takes the sport seriously and tests/sets up COFs and practices under a timer for an entire afternoon looking to improve splits by at least 0.05 seconds or more until he "tops out." Usually shoots 350 - 600 rounds in an afternoon with a 98% hit rate, 75+% "A Zones."

The guy who spent his entire life shooting and reloading as a civilian and in the military who no longer feels the need to practice. Let me ask you a question or two. Have you forgotten how to hammer a nail or ride a bike?

I may not pass a buzzer test but I seldom miss and I don't flinch or hesitate.

 

[palmettomoon]

The guy who spent his entire life shooting and reloading as a civilian and in the military who no longer feels the need to practice. Let me ask you a question or two. Have you forgotten how to hammer a nail or ride a bike?

I may not pass a buzzer test but I seldom miss and I don't flinch or hesitate.

Wait. You own a gun that works? LOL.jk

 

[Rusty Shakleford]

I feel a little ammo/range shaming going on here.

 

[Kman]

This question came up when I was talking to my nephew and his friends. They are 20-22 years old. One trip to the local indoor range plus ammo cost them around $200. They are poor college students at the moment. It’s just unaffordable for them. It’s a shame the youth today can’t wonder around the woods plinking as many here did in their youth.

 

[Bypass]

Wait. You own a gun that works? LOL.jk

I got rid of all the broke ones or should I say the ones I touched that suddenly quit working. LOL

 

[cmshoot]

I go to the range once a week. Primarily pistol and/or carbine, but I spend a day of long gun now and again.

Got ammo I reloaded in the past (mostly long gun). For what I shoot the most of (9mm and 5.56), I usually buy or trade for it.

30 years or so of reloading/buying/trading/hoarding ammo helps. OPA and the Home Storage Program is always a plus.